University of Virginia Library

DISCREET LOVE.

Peace, Syrens, Peace! experienc'd harms
Serve but to antidate your Charms.
The World's more wise now, than to seek
Roses and Lillies in a Cheek;
Coral in Lips; himself he mocks
That looks for Sun-beams in her Locks.
Or he who fancies those blew stains
Saphyres or Violets, but Veins.
None trusts an amorous Muse, that sings
His Mistress Breasts two Nectar springs,
Lockt up with Rubies, that there grow,
Soft Marble Quarries, and warm Snow;
That she sweats Amber, breaths sweet Gums,
Voids Marmalad, and vents Perfumes.
Beauty's the Sawce, that brings delight
To Love, which is the Appetite:
But Wealth's the Food; 'tis a sad pause,
When hungry, to have only Sawce:
Thus foolish Boys neglect their meat,
So they may red-cheek'd Apples eat.
Beauty is only in the Skin;
The worth, and substance is within;
'Tis spoil'd when us'd; now Gold's more bright
With time, and use; Aurora's light
Improves thus till the Sun does rise;
(That twenty-shillings-piece o'th' skies)
Talk then no more of loving faces,
Of outward parts, and inward graces;
Since Cupid's self can strike no heart
In love, without his golden dart.